OpenAI’s GPT-5 replaces all previous versions: What students need to know about the smartest AI yet
OpenAI has officially launched GPT-5, its most advanced AI model to date, replacing all earlier versions including GPT-4o. The new model is available now at ChatGPT.com and is designed to offer significant improvements in writing, coding, health knowledge, and more. Students using AI tools for study and projects should be aware of how this update changes their experience.According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, GPT-5 operates like speaking to a “legitimate PhD-level expert.” The company highlights that the model is less prone to hallucinations — a common issue in previous versions where the AI provided inaccurate or misleading information. The new release aims to balance efficiency with deeper reasoning, automatically switching between quick answers and more detailed responses based on the user’s input.How GPT-5 changes the user experienceOne of the major changes with GPT-5 is that it is the only model available for use. Earlier options like GPT-4o are no longer accessible. OpenAI states that users should not be concerned by this removal, as GPT-5 is designed to adapt automatically depending on the complexity of the query. For example, it can provide fast, straightforward replies for simple questions and engage in more thoughtful, elaborate answers for complex topics.Students who subscribe to Plus or Team plans have the option to select “GPT-5 Thinking” as their base model for deeper reasoning tasks. Free users, however, will face usage limits after which ChatGPT switches to smaller, less resource-intensive GPT-5 variants. This tiered access may impact students who rely on free versions for extended study sessions or complex assignments.Enhanced writing, coding and personal assistanceGPT-5 features improved writing skills, offering richer literary depth and rhythm. This enhancement can benefit students working on essays, reports, or creative writing. The AI can also simplify complex medical or technical information into plain English, making it easier for students to understand difficult material. Despite these capabilities, OpenAI advises users to double-check any critical medical information with a professional.In coding, GPT-5 shows significant advancement. It can generate basic games and applications from simple prompts and add stylistic flair to make software feel less mechanical. This supports a growing interest in “vibe coding,” where users write software through natural language rather than traditional coding languages.Personalisation is another key feature of GPT-5. The model can connect to Google Calendar, Gmail, and Contacts to help organise schedules and pull travel details from emails. This integration offers practical assistance for busy students managing multiple commitments, though it may raise privacy concerns for some.Less sycophancy, more balanced interactionOpenAI has reduced GPT-5’s tendency towards sycophancy, meaning the AI is less likely to provide excessive flattery or validate negative emotions. This change follows issues with the previous GPT-4o update, which was briefly pulled due to the chatbot encouraging impulsive behaviour and emotional spirals. OpenAI reports that GPT-5 cut sycophantic replies by more than half, from 14.5% to under 6%, while maintaining user satisfaction.Competition in the AI landscapeWhile GPT-5 represents a major step forward for OpenAI, it faces strong competition from other tech companies such as Anthropic, Google, Meta, and Perplexity. These firms are also developing next-generation AI models, ensuring the race for AI leadership remains highly competitive. Students and users alike can expect continued innovation and improvements in AI capabilities in the near future.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
